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A poison is something that can cause sickness or even death if swallowed, breathed in, spilled on the skin or splashed in the eyes.

Which one of these do you think is NOT poisonous?

You guessed right!

ALL these can be poisonous in some cases. Poisons are tricky because they can be found anywhere: the kitchen; the shed; the park. And they come in many shapes and sizes. They can smell or taste good, and they can even be invisible.

Watch out for poisons! Many things we see and use every day can be poisonous, even if they don’t look dangerous.

More than 10% of people who die from poisoning are children and teenagers.

Around the world, 125 children and teenagers die from poisoning every day. Small children are especially at risk because they put things in their mouths without knowing what they are. Older teenagers are also at risk when they experiment with alcohol and drugs.

spotting poisonsPoisons can be:

Solid – Solids can be chunky, chewy or powdery. They include pills, cleaning powders, plants, berries and mushrooms.

Liquid – Liquid poisons can be creamy or like water. They can be any colour. Some liquid poisons are floor cleaners, cough syrup (if you take too much), lamp oil and the venom from snakes and insects.

Spray – These poisons are in a spray can or bottle and include things like hair spray, furniture polish and bug killer.

Invisible – You can’t see it, smell it or touch it. Invisible poisons enter the air when something is burned. You might find them mixed with smoke, or coming out of the back of a car when the engine is running.

What you learn about safety can save lives. You’ll be able to reduce your own risks and keep yourself safer. But it doesn’t stop there. You can use what you know to help other children in your family and neighbourhood. You could:

3Spread the word – talk to your brothers, sisters and friends about how to stay safe.

3Report anything dangerous you see to an adult (like a poison not stored safely).

3Talk to your parents about how they can make your home safer.

3Write a letter about the things that need changing in your neighbourhood – in the park and on your street. Ask an adult to help you find out whom you need to send it to.

Making a difference

What are poisons?

A snake bite

A plant

A container of medicine

A chemical used to kill rats

preventing poisoning

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Now take a look at picture below. Can you spot the changes that have been made to make this kitchen safer? There are at least 9 to find.

Mauro, at 3 years old, Mexico

He put the toy in his mouth and was licking this poison.

He got very sick and had to go to the hospital for help.

Fortunately, he could be treated by a doctor and is now well.

Some countries have poison centres that provide information and help for poisonings. Find out if there is one near you, learn the phone number and keep it by your own home telephone.

AlwAys:

3Ask an adult if you’re not sure what something is.

3Tell an adult if you’ve found something that you think might be poisonous.

NEVER:

3Never play with, touch, smell or taste things you know are poisonous.

3Never put something in your mouth if you don’t know what it is.

3Never take medicine unless an adult gives it to you.

3Never leave young children alone with things you know are poisonous.

Can you think of a time

when you got sick from something poisonous?

What happened?

Now that you know more about poisons, look at the picture below. Can you spot and circle the poisons? There are at least 10 to find.

Mauro found a dirty toy that a chemical had spilled on.

What can You do?